"A"
"B"
"C",
"D",
"E",
"F",
"G",
"H",
"I",
"J",
"K",
"L",
"M",
"N",
"O",
"P",
"Q",
"R",
"S",
"T",
"U",
"V",
"W",
"X",
"Y",
"Z"
The previous portion of the C listing;
"C" Definitions and Terms
COVALENT BOND. A type of linkage between atoms in which the atoms share valence electrons.
CRASH. The breakdown in a hardware system [ie Disk Crash] or software system [ie OS Crash, Blue screen].
CRC - This stands for "Cyclic Redundancy Code". The term "CRC" seems to be reserved for algorithms that are based on the "polynomial" division. The essential mathematical operation in the calculation of a CRC is binary division, and the remainder from the division determines the CRC. CRC's cannot, however, be safely relied upon to verify data integrity. CRC types are often identified by the polynomial, which is the number used as the divisor. A number of pages on this site make reference to the CRC used for different electronic Interface Buses.
CREST (TOP). The peak of the positive alternation (maximum value above the line) of a wave.
Crimp. The physical compression (deformation) of a contact barrel around a conductor to make
an electrical and mechanical connection to the conductor. Crimp contacts are assembled to conductors outside of the connector and are
subsequently installed into the connector body. When a connector is properly assembled,
contacts are captured inside the connector. Retaining clips are one means of securing contacts in
place inside connector cavities. When retaining clips are present, contacts shall be fully seated
and locked into place by the clip. Improperly seated contacts can "push back"
causing intermittent and open circuits. In all instances, non-metal contact insertion and removal
tools shall be used to prevent damage to connectors, contacts, or conductors
CRITICAL ANGLE. The maximum angle at which radio waves can be transmitted and still be refracted
back to earth.
CRITICAL FREQUENCY. The maximum frequency at which a radio wave can be transmitted vertically
and still be refracted back to earth.
CROSSBAR SWITCH. A number of switches formed into a matrix so that may interconnect with another allowing any input line to connect to any output line..
CROSSED-FIELD AMPLIFIER. A high-power electron tube that converts dc to microwave power by a
combination of crossed electric and magnetic fields.
| CROSSED-OVER ADAPTER. A networking module that internally swaps the Transmit and Receive wires. CROSSED-OVER CABLE. A networking cable that internally swaps the Tx and Rx wires, allowing direct connection between devices. |
 Crossover Adapter |
CROSS-SECTIONAL AREA. The area of a "slice" of an object. When applied to electrical conductors it is usually expressed in circular mils.
CROSS-TALK. The unintended or undesired capacitive, inductive, or conductive coupling from one circuit, or channel to another. Unwanted sound in a voice channel cross-coupled from another voice channel.
CROWBAR. A method of shorting out a power supply when an over-voltage occurs to protect the electronics being supplied. A term used to indicate that something is being shorted as in placing a crowbar between the terminals. A circuit form by an over-voltage sense circuit and an SCR. The gate of the SCR connects to the sense circuit while the anode and cathode are connected to the supply rails.
SCR Crowbar Circuit
CRYSTAL. A natural substance, such as quartz or tourmaline, that is capable of producing a voltage when under physical stress or of producing physical movement when a voltage is applied. Manufacturers
CRYSTAL FURNACE. A device for artificially growing cylindrical crystals to be used in the production of semiconductor substrates.
CRYSTAL MICROPHONE. A microphone that uses the piezoelectric effect of crystalline matter to generate a voltage from sound waves. [Microphone Manufacturers ]
CRYSTAL OVEN. A closed oven maintained at a constant temperature in which a crystal and its holder are enclosed to reduce frequency drift.
CURRENT. The movement of electrons past a reference point. The passage of electrons through a conductor. Measured in amperes.
CURRENT-FEED METHOD. Same as CENTER-FEED METHOD.
CURRENT RATING. The safe current-carrying capacity of a wire or cable on a continuous basis. See AWG
CURRENT REGULATOR. A circuit that provides a constant current output.
CURRENT STANDING-WAVE RATIO (ISWR). The ratio of maximum to minimum current along a transmission line.
CUTOFF. The condition in a tube or transistor whereby the reverse bias prevents current flow.
CUTOFF FREQUENCY. The frequency at which the attenuation of a waveguide increases sharply and below which a traveling wave in a given mode cannot be maintained. A frequency with a half wavelength that is greater than the wide dimension of a waveguide.
CW DEMODULATOR. A circuit that detects the presence of RF oscillations and converts them into a useful form.
CYCLE. One complete positive and one complete negative alternation of a current or voltage. A 360-degree rotation of a vector generating a sine wave.
Cyclic Redundancy Code. See CRC.
"D" Terms and Definitions
